LATEST IN TRAVEL

“I SAT there one day reflecting on all the people I had screwed over in the pursuit of success.” This fed-up Aussie set of for life of travel, arriving in his latest destination with just $7 in his pocket.

EUROPE is emerging as the new hotspot for Australian travellers in 2012 as the dollar reaches record highs against the Euro.

While last year was all about the United States, travel agents and companies say they are seeing a surge in interest to countries such as Portugal, Italy and Spain.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents CEO Jayson Westbury said with uncertain economic conditions in Europe hotels were dropping their prices.

He said savvy travellers could pick up accommodation in five-star hotels for under 100 Euro a night in non-peak periods.

"Traditionally these countries fed each other a fair bit of tourism,'' he said.

"But they're not travelling domestically so there are good deals to be had.

"It's also easier to get to Europe from Australia than ever before because you can one hop to where you want to go via Dubai or Abu Dhabi.''

Creative Holidays has boosted its European program by more than 20 per cent this year to cope with the increase in demand.

"We have already witnessed a significant trend of people choosing to upgrade their holiday accommodation experiences given the budget now goes so much further in Europe,'' Creative Holidays managing director Paul McGrath said.

"There has also been an increase in family travel to this part of the world.''

Intrepid Travel said bookings to Europe were already up by 10 per cent on the same time last year.

"We expect this trend to continue with the strength of the Australian dollar against the Euro,'' spokeswoman Meg Koffel said.

"No doubt with the London Olympics on the horizon this will be another key driver for people to choose Europe as a destination for 2012.''

Ms Koffel said Vietnam, where many places accept US dollars, is also becoming more popular, especially as a foodie destination.

"In the past Australians used to visit because of Australia's connection to the Vietnam War,'' she said.

"This year we have increased the capacity on our foodie tours by 20 per cent in response to demand and the positive feedback we have been getting from our passengers.

"It is an extremely safe destination within South East Asia which is very appealing to Australians.''

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